[Avian]

Hey all,

I've currently got a 2013 BMW 118i M-Sport but am looking to trade it in at the end of this year.
I've got three options that I'm giving myself to choose from.

1) BMW 220i M-Sport (With ACS Upgrades + A bunch of optionals)
- ACS Performance Upgrade
- ACS Performance Exhaust System

2) BMW 228i M-Sport (With ACS Upgrades + A fair amount of optionals)
- ACS Performance Upgrade
- ACS Performance Exhaust System

3) BMW M235i (No Upgrades + A few optionals)

I'm asking everyone to share their thoughts & opinions on which one I should seriously consider. I know some might say well it depends what you want the car for i.e power, sound, looks, efficiency etc etc

Basically I want a car that's not going to break the bank but at the same time I want a lot of car for my money just like my current BMW. (Have a look at my previous posts from 2013).

If you have a vehicle like the ones listed please let me know what you think and any mandatory optionals I should have as well as any issues you've had with the vehicle or any excellent points of the vehicle you'd like to share.

Thanks everyone!

[Cyberdemon]

The 228 with a tune is a great compromise if you know what options you want and don't plan on tracking the car. It's a lot of car for the daily commute.

I think even with a tune and exhaust you'd probably want more power from the 220 that a few extra packages won't make up for.

[den525]

Pretty easy choice in my opinion... I think the 220 and 228 comes with a decent engine, but it doesn't compare with the I6 in the M235i, not even close in my opinion. In terms of performance and exhaust, it doesn't matter what upgrades you get, it won't come close to the M235i.

If you can get a 220i means that you're in Europe, the price difference is much small in the UK. 27.5k for 220, 28.4k for 228, and 34.5k for 235. That's only 6-7k difference.

The M235i comes with a few more things standard, so it really depends what options you think its important.

[pikcachu]

Originally Posted by den525

Pretty easy choice in my opinion... I think the 220 and 228 comes with a decent engine, but it doesn't compares with the V6 in the M235i, not even close in my opinion. In terms of performance and exhaust, it doesn't matter what upgrades you get, it won't come close to the M235i.

If you can get a 220i means that you're in Europe, the price difference is much small in the UK. 27.5k for 220, 28.4k for 228, and 34.5k for 235. That's only 6-7k difference.

The M235i comes with a few more things standard, so it really depends what options you think its important.

Inline 6

[Gatte]

Originally Posted by den525

but it doesn't compares with the V6 in the M235i, not even close in my opinion.

Inline straight 6 twin scroll.

[den525]

Lol that's what I meant iPhone autocorrect

[Perfektenschlag]

The best advice I've read in these types of threads regarding test drives is to drive a 228 and if it's enough power/performance/etc for you, don't even think about driving a m235, because there's no going back.

A couple reasons I personally didn't follow that advice...
- My 228 builds were only 2-3k less than my m235 builds, so the m235 was the easy choice.
- I'll never think twice about the decision and wonder "what if..."

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

depends what you want the car for i.e power, sound, looks, efficiency etc etc

You nailed that with the OP..Test drive em all and tell us which one was best for you and your wallet

[MikeT]

Originally Posted by Perfektenschlag

The best advice I've read in these types of threads regarding test drives is to drive a 228 and if it's enough power/performance/etc for you, don't even think about driving a m235, because there's no going back.

That was certainly true in my case.

I test-drove the 228i first because (1) it was all the local dealer had in stock; and (2) I had pretty much convinced myself that it was a better value and the M235i would be more car than I really needed. I felt like the power/performance of the 228i was adequate but I still had a lingering curiosity about the M235i. When I finally drove the latter, well, one word: SOLD.

[tccox]

I own a 228 Msport and love ,love, love it. However if you can afford it, its a no brainer, get the 235 and that wonderful, wonderful I6. I didn't want a payment and had a absolute budget of under 40 grand.